About
Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa is passionate about cities for all people. Because of his unique blend of experience, pragmatism, and passion, many cities worldwide seek his leadership and valuable advice. He has worked in over 350 cities.
Gil is the Founder and Chair of the successful Canadian non-profit organization 8 80 Cities and founder of Cities for Everyone. In 2022 Gil ran for mayor of Toronto. In 100 days, he got 100,000 votes, and changed the conversation. Currently Gil is an academic chair at the Norman Foster Institute for Sustainable Cities, as well as Expert Advisor to the International Society for Urban Health..
Gil was elected twice as chair of World Urban Parks. He holds an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the Faculty of Urban Planning at Swedish SLU. In 2023 Gil was selected by Identity Review in 15 Thought Leaders in Sustainable City Development and voted to Planetizen’s Top 100 Most Influential Contemporary Urbanists, at #13.
Articles by Gil
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SIXTY is not the new 40. Fifty isn’t either. Do not kid yourself about this.
SIXTY is not the new 40. Fifty isn’t either. Do not kid yourself about this.
By Gil Penalosa
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Is the best place for the old out of sight and mind?
Is the best place for the old out of sight and mind?
By Gil Penalosa
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How simply moving benefits your mental health. More reasons to have SAFE walkable cities
How simply moving benefits your mental health. More reasons to have SAFE walkable cities
By Gil Penalosa
Activity
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#NatureEverywhere #GreenEquity Parks, trees, flowers... are endless source of joy; each visit is diff., more joy! Huge benefits of trees, parks…
#NatureEverywhere #GreenEquity Parks, trees, flowers... are endless source of joy; each visit is diff., more joy! Huge benefits of trees, parks…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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Time in #nature builds happier, healthier, more social children. @WashingtonPost • Outdoors is beneficial for physical & mental health • Fosters…
Time in #nature builds happier, healthier, more social children. @WashingtonPost • Outdoors is beneficial for physical & mental health • Fosters…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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Many call all school playground renovations 'green' when some just added few trees. Btw ALL playground improvements are a great priority. Some are…
Many call all school playground renovations 'green' when some just added few trees. Btw ALL playground improvements are a great priority. Some are…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
Experience
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8 80 Cities
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Education
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Honors & Awards
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Doctorate Honoris Causa - PhDhc
Faculty of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at SLU, Swedish Univerity
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"100 Most Inspirational Alumni"
UCLA's Anderson School of Management
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Queen Elizabeth II - Diamond Jubilee Medal
Governor General of Canada
Languages
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English
Full professional proficiency
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Spanish
Native or bilingual proficiency
More activity by Gil
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Last week, Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Lesford H. Duncan, MPH wrapped up his Midwest trip with a visit to the Twin Cities! Thrive Outside…
Last week, Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Lesford H. Duncan, MPH wrapped up his Midwest trip with a visit to the Twin Cities! Thrive Outside…
Liked by Gil Penalosa
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Cities need beauty along their waterfronts. To view, use, enjoy. NOT football stadiums or private mega SPAs. As 75-foot-wide floating work of art in…
Cities need beauty along their waterfronts. To view, use, enjoy. NOT football stadiums or private mega SPAs. As 75-foot-wide floating work of art in…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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Arrived: CLIMATE ACTION FOR BUSY PEOPLE. It's author superb Cate Mingoya-LaFortune is my guest next Tuesday to present on my biweekly webinar…
Arrived: CLIMATE ACTION FOR BUSY PEOPLE. It's author superb Cate Mingoya-LaFortune is my guest next Tuesday to present on my biweekly webinar…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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Waterfront parks… for everyone. PUBLIC! FREE! Everywhere. Walk, run, bike, swim, eat, read, chill… enjoy the presence of each other. Urban…
Waterfront parks… for everyone. PUBLIC! FREE! Everywhere. Walk, run, bike, swim, eat, read, chill… enjoy the presence of each other. Urban…
Posted by Gil Penalosa
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Sunday in the park… priceless! Health & happiness, people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds. Weekdays neighborhood parks, weekends citywide…
Sunday in the park… priceless! Health & happiness, people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds. Weekdays neighborhood parks, weekends citywide…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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Excited to join a panel of distinguished experts at the Global Urban Health and Local Public Policy forum! Together, we will explore the vital…
Excited to join a panel of distinguished experts at the Global Urban Health and Local Public Policy forum! Together, we will explore the vital…
Liked by Gil Penalosa
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I never get tired of highlighting @SkyejDuncan @GlobalStreets prioritization on streets. Simple. Clear. Apply! Pedestrians first! Always…
I never get tired of highlighting @SkyejDuncan @GlobalStreets prioritization on streets. Simple. Clear. Apply! Pedestrians first! Always…
Shared by Gil Penalosa
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